Merle Potthoff, 88 of Halbur, died Thursday, March 7, 2019 at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. The Celebrant will be Fr. Shinoj Jose. Music will be by Julie Sibbel and the St. Augustine Choir. Mass Servers will be Lucas Reising, and Owen Nepple. Lector will be Phil Markway. Gift Bearers will be Merle’s Granddaughters: Heather, Shannon, Larron, Jennifer, Mandi, Tamie, Stephanie, Rachael, and Madison. Eucharistic Minister will be Beverly Nepple. Casket Bearers will be Merle’s Grandsons: Jay Ryan, Travis Drees, Justin Drees, Christopher Potthoff, Adam Potthoff, Aaron Falke, Josh Potthoff, and Jonah Potthoff. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Friends may call at the St. Augustine Church in Halbur, after 4 p.m. on Sunday, where there will be a Rosary, and a Christian Wake Service held at 6 p.m.
Visitation will resume at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Merle’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Merle, the son of Henry and Clementine (Wittrock) Potthoff was born on October 29, 1930 at Carroll, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Halbur, and attended St. Augustine School. After his formal education Merle began farming with his father.
On October 16, 1951, Merle was united in marriage to Lila Davis, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Carroll, the couple made their home northeast of Halbur where Merle was engaged in grain and livestock farming. Merle semi-retired from farming at age 65. Although he “retired” he still continued to help his son John farm on a part time basis.
Merle enjoyed country music, attending concerts, playing cards, watching baseball, and golfing. He took great pride in his acreage, planting, and caring for hundreds of mums that lined their lane each year. Merle also enjoyed woodworking, building many different crafts for his children and grandchildren. Most of all, Merle loved the farm life, and all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of St. Augustine Church in Halbur.
Left to celebrate Merle’s life is his wife, Lila Potthoff of rural Carroll; 7 children: Sharon Ryan of Perry, Nancy (Patrick) Monjarez of Omaha, Michael Potthoff of Panora, Joan (Randy) Drees of Carroll, John (Gail) Potthoff of Halbur, Brenda (Jim) Falke of Omaha, and Mark (Jane) Potthoff of Polk City; 17 grandchildren 23 great-grandchildren; siblings: Arlene Rupiper of Carroll, Lois Hinners of Carroll, and Joyce (Dick) Wright of Carroll; sister-in-law: Betty Potthoff of Manning, and brother-in-law: Danny Rowedder of Carroll; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Carol Rowedder, Mel Potthoff, and Norbert Potthoff; his sister-in-law, Irma Potthoff; his brothers-in-law: Ernie Rupiper, and Don Hinners; a niece, Diane Hinners; his parents-in-law: Percy and Vera Davis; and a step-father-in-law, Harry Laurinet.
